Wall surface trim board

ABSTRACT

A wall surface trim board is provided as a board member having a base section, an adjacent first section, and a second section adjacent to the first section. The sections are separated from each other by cut-through openings which extend partially through the board member. The cuts end at the top and bottom outer surfaces of the board member, the uncut outer surfaces forming two thin membranes, one membrane connecting the base section with the first section, and the second membrane connecting the first section with the second section. The sections are pivotable about the membranes in relation to each other to form various trim board configurations. The trim boards are to be used as window trim boards, cornerboards, and similar wall trim construction applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Trim boards are utilized on wall surfaces to prolong the life and enhance the appearance of windows and corner edges of buildings, homes, and like structures. They are positioned around the sides of windows as window trim boards. Attaching trim boards at right angles, produces cornerboard members which are placed over and secured to the edges and corners of exterior walls.

Prior and current trim boards are specifically constructed for use in a single form; none are designed to be reconfigured for varied attachment to wall surfaces. Also trim board members are routinely secured by the use of screws, nails, bolts and similar visible attachment devices which detract from the finished appearance. In addition, it is often difficult to position window trim boards and cornerboards in order to ensure that adjacent siding or other exterior wall construction members are properly and accurately aligned with the trim board members. Once again, this is important in improving the final appearance of the window trim board or cornerboard on the exterior of the structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is thus the object of the present invention to provide a wall surface trim board which overcomes the disadvantages and limitations of prior trim board construction components.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a wall surface trim board which is designed and constructed to be configured for use in a variety of different forms.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a wall surface trim board which is easily and simply reconfigured for use in a variety of different forms.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a wall surface trim board which is configured to be attached to an exterior wall surface with a minimum of visible attachment devices or with blind fasteners from behind the trim board, in order to enhance the final appearance of the structure.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a wall surface trim board which is configured to accept wall siding or other exterior wall covering, so as to eliminate uneven alignment and edge abutments between the trim board and the siding or wall covering.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a wall surface trim board which is readily adaptable for use as a window trim board and also for attachment as a cornerboard.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a wall surface trim board which comprises readily available construction materials and is simple to manufacture.

Those and other objects are accomplished by the present invention, a wall surface trim board which comprises a board member having a base section, an adjacent first section, and a second section adjacent to the first section. The sections are separated from each other by cut-through openings which extend partially through the board member. The cuts end at the top and bottom outer surfaces of the board member, the uncut outer surfaces forming two thin membranes, one membrane connecting the base section with the first section, and the second membrane connecting the first section with the second section. The sections are pivotable about the membranes in relation to each other to form various trim board configurations. The trim boards are to be used as window trim boards, cornerboards, and similar wall trim construction applications.

Novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention, itself, however, both as to its design, construction and use, together with additional features and advantages thereof, are best understood upon review of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a partial plan view of the top interior side of the wall surface trim board of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a partial isometric view of the wall surface trim board of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view taken from FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows another exploded view taken from FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 shows a step in the process of creating the various use embodiments of the wall surface trim board of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows one use embodiment of the wall surface trim board of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows another use embodiment of the wall surface trim board of the present invention.

FIG. 8. shows still another use embodiment of the wall surface trim board of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a first use embodiment of the wall surface trim board of the present invention configured as a cornerboard.

FIG. 10 shows another use embodiment of the wall surface trim board of the present invention configured as a cornerboard.

FIG. 11 shows one use embodiment of the wall surface trim board of the present invention mounted as a window trim board.

FIG. 12 shows another use embodiment of the wall surface trim board of the present invention mounted as a window trim board.

FIG. 13 shows a use embodiment of the wall surface trim board of the present invention mounted as a cornerboard.

FIG. 14 is another use embodiment of the wall surface trim board of the present invention mounted as a cornerboard.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Wall surface trim board 1 of the present invention is configured to be used as window trim boards 40 and 42, such as is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, or to be connected to a second identical trim board at an angle to form cornerboards 50 and 52, shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. Trim board 1 is optimally composed of a foam molded or extruded plastic material or equivalent lightweight material which is high strength, durable, but which also can be neatly cut to close dimensions.

Trim board 1 comprises board member 2, a unitary body, which as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, comprises base section 4 which is adjacently aligned with first section 6, and second section 8, which is adjacently aligned with first section 6. Board member 2 has an interior or top side 10 with an outer surface 12, and exterior or bottom side 14 with outer surface 16 Base section 4, first section 6, and second section 8 of board member 2 are actually formed by two cuts partially through board member 2, which create cut openings 20 and 22. Cut opening 20, located between base section 4 and first section 6, extends from and through outer surface 16 of exterior side 14, up to outer surface 12 of interior side 10. Outer surface 12 remains uncut at corner edge region 24 of base section 4 and corner edge region 26 of first section 6. Base section 4 is thus interconnected with first section 6 at corner edges 24 and 26 by thin membrane 30, which is a portion of outer surface 12. Thus, outer surface 12 effectively extends continuously across interior side 10, from base section 4, to first section 6. Membrane 30 is of sufficient thickness t to allow limited pivoting of base section 4 and first section 6 in relation to each other. Membrane 30, being thin, is not designed to withstand more than three or four pivots between sections 4 and 6 before tearing. Typical thicknesses contemplated are between 0.010 inches and 0.040 inches; although the invention is not to be considered restricted to these dimensions.

In similar manner, cut opening 22, located between first section 6 and second section 8, extends from and through outer surface 12 of interior side 10, down to outer surface 16 of exterior side 14. Outer surface 14 remains uncut at corner edge 27 of first section 6 and corner edge 28 of second section 8. First section 6 is thus interconnected with second section 8 at corner edges 27 and 28 by thin membrane 32, which is a portion of outer surface 16. Thus, outer surface 16 effectively extends continuously across exterior side 14, from first section 6 to second section 8. Like membrane 30, membrane 32 is of sufficient thickness t to allow limited pivoting of first section 6 and second section 8 in relation to each other. Also as with membrane 30, 32 is not designed to withstand more than three or four rotational pivots by sections 6 and 8 before tearing. Typical thicknesses contemplated are as described for membrane 30; although the invention is not to be considered restricted to these dimensions.

In using wall surface trim board 1, for instance as a window trim board, first section 6 and second section 8 are pivoted, via membrane 30, onto outer surface 12 of interior side 10 of base section 4, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In one use embodiment shown in FIG. 6, an attachment adhesive 34, such as tape, epoxy, glue, or similar equivalent permanent adhesive product, located on outer surface 12 or on the surfaces on sections 6 and 8 which contact outer surface 12, permanently affix sections 6 and 8 to base section 4. Window trim board 40 can then be aligned adjacent to window 100, as shown in FIG. 11, and secured to interior wall surface 104 by attaching sections 6 and 8 to the wall by adhesive or similar means 34. Siding or equivalent exterior wall surface 102 can be attached to interior wall 104 adjacent to the trim board. By this configuration, there are no unsightly nails, screws or similar attachment devices on trim board 40.

FIG. 7 shows another use embodiment of the trim board of the present invention, in which second section 8 is pivoted about membrane 32, so as to be stacked atop first section 6, already located on base section 4. Adhesive 34 is applied between all three sections to secure them in position.

Most advantageously, in still another use embodiment, the trim board is first positioned with the sections as shown in FIG. 6, i.e. first section 6 and second section 8 adjacent to each other on outer surface 12 of base section 4. For this embodiment, no adhesive is yet applied. From this position, membrane 30 is cut or scored along its full length with a sharp blade, thus disattaching first section 6 from base section 4. First section 6 is then free to pivot about membrane 32, onto second section 8, as shown in FIG. 8. Adhesive 34, such as described previously, applied on the lower surface of second section 8, secures that section to base section 4, and adhesive 34 applied on the lower surface of first section 6 secures that section to second section 8. The configuration of FIG. 8 creates indented channel region 36 between corner 24 of base section 4 and sections 6 and 8. This trim board configuration 42 can then be aligned adjacent to window 100 and secured with adhesive 34, as shown in FIG. 12. Siding or equivalent exterior wall surface 102 is then inserted neatly within indented channel 36 and then secured to interior wall 104. This use embodiment of window trim board 42 allows for a tight and secure fit between siding 102 and the trim board. It also presents a finished, clean, and professional appearance, as there are no unsightly, uneven edges showing between trim board 42 and siding 102 and again, no nails, screw or similar attachment devices are visible.

Two pieces of the trim board 1 described above can be connected at an angle to form cornerboard units 50 and 52, shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 shows cornerboard 50 with base sections 4 and with first and second sections 6 and 8 resting on and secured to outer surfaces 12 of interior sides 10 of base section 4, the sections being interconnected by membranes 30 and 32. FIG. 10 shows cornerboard 52 with first sections 6 stacked on second sections 8, these sections secured to base sections 4, forming indented channel regions 36.

Cornerboard 50 is secured to corner 106 of interior wall 104, by attaching sections 6 and 8 to the wall with adhesive 34, as shown in FIG. 13. Exterior siding 102 abuts cornerboard 50 and is secured in place against wall 104. As with the use of surface trim board 1 around window 100, as previously described, no attachment devices are visible on cornerboard 50.

Cornerboard 52 is positioned over corner 106 of interior wall 104, as shown in FIG. 14. It is then secured in place by adhesive 34 between first section 6 and the wall 104. Siding 102 is inserted neatly within indented channel region 36 and is then secured to interior wall 104. The use of cornerboard 52 provides the same structural and esthetic advantages as has been described with regard to the trim board/window embodiment shown in FIG. 12.

It is thus seen that surface trim board 1, with its variety of use embodiments, presents a highly versatile construction component, which is advantageously used in many different configurations and applications.

The various embodiments of trim board 1 are formed as follows. Board member 2 is provided as an integral, solid body. Outer surface 16 of exterior side 14 of board member 2 is first cut and the cut 20, is continued straight through the body of the board member to outer surface 12 of top or interior side 10. Outer surface 12 is not cut and remains intact and of sufficient thickness t to form membrane 30, a thin film layer of the outer surface, e.g. between 0.010 inches and 0.040 inches. Cut 20 creates base section 4 and an adjacent section which will ultimately comprise first section 6 and second section 8.

Next, outer surface 12 of interior side 10 of the adjacent section is cut and cut 22 continues straight through the body of the adjacent section to outer surface 16 of exterior side 14. Bottom outer surface 16 is not cut and remains intact and of sufficient thickness t to form a second membrane, membrane 32, a thin film layer of the outer surface of substantially the same thickness as membrane 30. Cut 22 creates first section 6 and adjacent second section 8, section 6 remaining adjacent to base section 4.

First section 6 and second section 8 are next pivoted about membrane 30, such that they rest on outer surface 12 of interior side 10 of base section 4, as seen in FIG. 6. To use trim board 1 in this configuration, adhesive 34, as described above, is applied between section 6 and section 8 and outer surface 12 to secure these sections to base section 4.

To alter trim board 1 from the configuration shown in FIG. 6, such that it is in the configuration shown in FIG. 7, section 8 is pivoted about membrane 32, such that section 8 is stacked on section 6. To use trim board 1 in this configuration, adhesive 34, as described above, is applied between section 6, section 8 and outer surface 12 to secure these sections in this configuration to base section 4.

To alter trim board 1 from the configuration shown in FIG. 6,such that it is in the configuration shown in FIG. 8, membrane 30 is cut or scored along its full length so as to disattach section 6 from base section 4. Section 6 is then pivoted about membrane 32 such that it is stacked on section 8. To use trim board 1 in this configuration, adhesive 34, as described above, is applied between section 6, section 8 and outer surface 12 to secure the sections as shown in FIG. 8.

Certain novel features and components of this invention are disclosed in detail in order to make the invention clear in at least one form thereof. However, it is to be clearly understood that the invention as disclosed is not necessarily limited to the exact form and details as disclosed, since it is apparent that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. 

1. A wall surface trim board comprising: at least one board member having an exterior side with an outer surface and an interior side with an outer surface, said board member comprising a base section with a corner edge, a first section with a corner edge pivotably attached to the corner edge of the base section, and a second section with a corner edge pivotably attached to the corner edge of first section, said board member further comprising means for pivotably interconnecting the base section corner edge and the first section corner edge and the first section corner edge and the second section corner edge, whereby said means allows the first and second sections to pivot onto the interior side of the board member to be positioned in different stacked and aligned configurations for securing the interior side of the trim board onto a wall surface in the different configurations.
 2. The trim board as in claim 1 wherein the means for interconnecting comprises membranes extending between the sections.
 3. The trim board as in claim 2 wherein the membranes consist of portions of the outer surfaces of the exterior and interior sides.
 4. The trim board as in claim 1 wherein the means for interconnecting comprises first means interconnecting the base section corner edge and the first section corner edge, whereby said first interconnecting means allows the first section to pivot onto the interior side of the board member to be positioned in different stacked and aligned configurations on the board member, and second means interconnecting the first section corner edge and the second section corner edge, whereby said second interconnecting means allows the first section to pivot onto the second section.
 5. The trim board as in claim 4 wherein the first interconnecting means is severable to permit disconnection between the board member and the first section, whereby upon disconnection and pivoting of the first section onto the second section, the two sections are stacked one on another at a given distance away from the corner edge of the base section, forming an indented channel means for receiving a construction member.
 6. The trim board as in claim 1 further comprising a second board member secured at an angle to the one first board member to form a cornerboard.
 7. The trim board as in claim 6 wherein the second board member comprises an exterior side and an interior side, said second board member comprising a base section with a corner edge, a first section with a corner edge pivotably attached to the corner edge of the base section, and a second section with a corner edge pivotably attached to the corner edge of the first section, said second board member further comprising means for pivotably interconnecting the base section corner edge and the first section corner edge and the first section corner edge and the second section corner edge, whereby said means allows the first and second sections to pivot onto the interior side of the second board member to be positioned in different stacked and aligned configurations for securing the interior side of the trim board onto a wall surface in the different configurations.
 8. The trim board as in claim 1 wherein the board member comprises a border trim board for a wall mounted window.
 9. The trim board as in claim 1 further comprising adhesive means for attaching the first and second sections to the interior side of the board member.
 10. The trim board as in claim 9 wherein said adhesive means is located on the first section.
 11. The trim board as in claim 9 wherein said adhesive means is located on the second section.
 12. The trim board as in claim 10 wherein said adhesive means is located on the second section.
 13. A wall surface trim board comprising: at least one board member having an exterior side and an interior side, said board member comprising a base section, a first section aligned adjacent and pivotably connected to the base section, a second section aligned adjacent and pivotably connected to the first section, the interior side of the board member having an outside surface which extends continuously from the base section over the adjacent alignment to the first section, the exterior side of the board member having an outside surface which extends continuously from the first section over the adjacent alignment to the second section.
 14. The trim board as in claim 13 further comprising means for pivotably interconnecting the base section and the first section and the first section and the second section, whereby said means allows the first and second sections to pivot onto the interior side of the board member to be positioned in different stacked and aligned configurations for securing the interior side of the trim board onto a wall surface in the different configurations.
 15. The trim board as in claim 14 wherein the means for interconnecting comprises membranes extending between the sections.
 16. The trim board as in claim 15 wherein the membranes consist of portions of the outer surfaces of the exterior and interior sides.
 17. The trim board as in claim 14 wherein the means for interconnecting comprises first means interconnecting the base section corner edge and the first section corner edge, whereby said first interconnecting means allows the first section to pivot onto the interior side of the board member to be positioned in different stacked and aligned configurations on the board member, and second means interconnecting the first section corner edge and the second section corner edge, whereby said second interconnecting means allows the first section to pivot onto the second section.
 18. The trim board as in claim 17 wherein the first interconnecting means is severable to permit disconnection between the board member and the first section, whereby upon disconnection and pivoting of the first section onto the second section, the two sections are stacked one on another at a given distance away from the corner edge of the base section, forming an indented channel means for receiving a construction member.
 19. The trim board as in claim 13 further comprising a second board member secured at an angle to the one board member to form a cornerboard.
 20. The trim board as in claim 19 wherein the second board member comprises an exterior side and an interior side, said second board member comprising a base section with a corner edge, a first section with a corner edge pivotably attached to the corner edge of the base section, and a second section with a corner edge pivotably attached to the corner edge of the first section, said second board member further comprising means for pivotably interconnecting the base section corner edge and the first section corner edge and the first section corner edge and the second section corner edge, whereby said means allows the first and second sections to pivot onto the interior side of the second board member to be positioned in different stacked and aligned configurations for securing the interior side of the trim board onto a wall surface in the different configurations.
 21. The trim board as in claim 13 wherein the board member comprises a border trim board for a wall mounted window.
 22. The trim board as in claim 13 further comprising adhesive means for attaching the first and second sections to the interior side of the board member.
 23. The trim board as in claim 22 wherein said adhesive means is located on the first section.
 24. The trim board as in claim 22 wherein said adhesive means is located on the second section.
 25. The trim board as in claim 23 wherein said adhesive means is located on the second section.
 26. A wall surface trim board comprising: at least one board member having an exterior side and an interior side, said board member comprising a base section with a corner edge, a first section with a corner edge, a second section with a corner edge being pivotably attached to the corner edge of the first section, and means for pivotably interconnecting the first section corner edge and the second section corner edge, said means allowing the first section to be pivoted onto the second section, whereby upon pivoting of the first section onto the second section, the two sections are stacked one on another at a given distance away from the corner edge of the base section to form an indented channel means for receiving a construction member.
 27. The trim board as in claim 26 wherein the means for interconnecting comprises membranes extending between the first and second sections.
 28. The trim board as in claim 26 further comprising a second board member secured at an angle to the one board member to form a cornerboard.
 29. The trim board as in claim 28 wherein the second board member comprises an exterior side and an interior side, said second board member comprising a base section with a corner edge, a first section with a corner edge, a second section with a corner edge being pivotably attached to the corner edge of the first section, and means for pivotably interconnecting the first section corner edge and the second section corner edge, said means allowing the first section to be pivoted onto the second section, whereby upon pivoting of the first section onto the second section, the two sections are stacked one on another at a given distance away from the corner edge of the base section to form an indented channel means for receiving a construction member.
 30. The trim board as in claim 26 wherein the board member comprises a border trim board for a wall mounted window.
 31. The trim board as in claim 26 further comprising adhesive means for attaching the first and second sections to the interior side of the board member.
 32. The method of constructing a trim board, the steps of the method comprising: providing at least one board member comprising a unitary body with top and bottom outer surfaces; cutting through the bottom outer surface of the board member and partially through the body, creating two components of the board member, a base member section and an adjacent first section; discontinuing cutting through the body of the board member upon reaching the top outer surface, leaving the top outer surface uncut, said outer surface forming a thin membrane interconnecting the base member section and the first section; cutting through the top outer surface of the first section of the board member and partially through the body of the first section, creating a second section adjacent to the first section; discontinuing cutting through the body of the first section upon reaching the bottom outer surface of the first section, leaving the bottom outer surface uncut, said bottom outer surface forming a second thin membrane interconnecting the first section to a second section; pivoting the first and second sections about at least one of the membranes onto the top outer surface of the base member section of the board member; and securing the first and second sections onto the top outer surface of the base member section of the board member.
 33. The method as in claim 32 further comprising the step of: pivoting the first and second sections about the first membrane so as to position the first and second sections adjacent to each other on the top outer surface of the base member section of the board member.
 34. The method as in claim 33 further comprising the steps of: scoring the first membrane to disconnect the first section from the base member section; pivoting the first section about the second membrane; and positioning the first section on the second section, forming an indented channel over the top surface of the base member section of the board member and adjacent to the first and second sections.
 35. The method as in claim 33 further comprising the steps of: pivoting the second section about the second membrane; and positioning the second section on the first section. 